April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.

Camp Scully is seeking a few good counselors


By MAUREEN MCGUINNESS- | Comments: 0 | Leave a comment

Scott MacKellar's summer job for the past eight years has involved long hours and hard work, but that hasn't kept him from coming back year after year.

He has been a camp counselor at the diocesan-sponsored Camp Scully on Snyder's Lake in North Greenbush. This year, he returns as the camp's director.

He encourages young adults looking for summer employment to consider becoming a camp counselor. "It can be a fun job," he said.

Back again

A native of Scotland, Mr. MacKellar came to Camp Scully through Camp America, an overseas recruitment agency. His first experience was so positive that he's been coming back ever since, something that is not unusual for those who work there.

"There are quite a few returning counselors," he said.

During the season, June 24-August 14, approximately 500 children will attend Camp Scully for one-week camp sessions. They will participate in swimming, hiking, boating, arts and crafts, a rope course, archery, and peer socialization.

Operated by Catholic Charities of Albany and Rensselaer counties, the camp is on 22 acres of land with ten cabins, chapel, infirmary, dining hall, picnic and activities pavilion, playing fields, and waterfront. Camp Scully is accredited by the American Camping Association and is licensed by New York State.

Mixed group

According to Mr. MacKellar, Camp Scully's campers come from a wide range of racial, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. In addition, the staff comes from around the world.

Camp Scully is still looking for counselors as well as a health director, aquatics director and an operations director. Mr. MacKellar said that different types of people have held these positions, but they share one quality: They all enjoy working with children.

"We're looking for people who really like working with kids, have lots of energy and enjoy the outdoors," he said.

While working at a summer camp can be a fun experience, Mr. MacKellar said it involves hard work. Counselors must participate in all activities and are on call 24 hours a day.

Despite the long hours, Mr. MacKellar said working at Camp Scully can be a great summer job. "You work hard. There's long hours, but it's very rewarding," he said.

(Counselors receive a salary as well as room and board for the duration of the camp period. They have at least one hour off daily and time off in the evenings after the campers have gone to bed. For information on Camp Scully or summer employment, call 426-3511.)

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